Longspan Shelving UK FAQs
Do you have any questions about the longspan warehouse shelving that we design and install across the UK?
We’ve answered some of the main queries we receive below. For anything else, please call us on 0845 689 1300.
What Is Longspan Shelving?
Longspan shelving is a heavy-duty shelving system designed to store bulky, awkward or oversized items that do not suit standard pallet racking. It uses steel beams spanning wider bay widths (1,800mm to 2,700mm). The system is supported by chipboard, steel or timber decking. Longspan shelving gives you a versatile, accessible storage solution suited to hand-loaded goods, boxed stock, parts and equipment.
What Are The Main Uses Of Longspan Shelving?
Longspan shelving is commonly used in warehouses, workshops, retail stockrooms, archives and industrial settings. It is particularly well suited to storing items such as boxed components, rolled materials, tools, automotive parts and slower-moving goods that need to be picked by hand rather than lifted by forklift.
What Is Longspan Warehouse Shelving And How Does It Differ From Standard Racking?
Longspan warehouse shelving bridges the gap between light-duty shelving and full pallet racking.
Unlike selective pallet racking, which is designed for unit loads moved by forklift, longspan warehouse shelving is hand-loaded and intended for a wider variety of product shapes and sizes. The wider bay spans and adjustable shelf levels give warehouse operators greater flexibility without the need for mechanical handling equipment.
How Much Weight Can Longspan Shelving Hold?
In terms of longspan shelving, our team will be able to calculate load capacities with you prior to installation.
Generally speaking, longspan shelving typically supports between 250kg and 900kg per shelf level.
Bay load capacities can reach up to 2,500kg or more on heavy-duty systems. It is important to check the rated UDL (uniformly distributed load) for the specific shelving you select and ensure loads are distributed evenly across the shelf surface.
As with all of our shelving and racking services, please contact us for tailored advice so that we can match you with the right solution for your needs.
Can Longspan Shelving Be Adjusted Or Extended?
Yes! Most longspan shelving systems use a boltless or clip-in beam design, which makes it straightforward to adjust shelf heights without specialist tools. Many systems are also modular and can be extended by adding extra bays or additional levels as your storage needs grow.
What Decking Options Are Available For Longspan Shelving?
The three most common decking types are particle board (chipboard), steel mesh and timber. Chipboard is the standard choice for general storage as it provides a solid, flat surface and is cost-effective.
Steel mesh decking is preferred where ventilation, visibility or fire suppression system access is important. However, timber decking offers a robust option for heavier or rougher loads.
How Do I Calculate How Much Longspan Shelving I Need?
Start by assessing the volume and dimensions of the goods you intend to store, the available floor area and ceiling height, and the access requirements for picking. From there, bay widths, shelf depths, shelf heights and the number of tier levels can be specified to maximise your available space. Our team at Logical Storage Solutions can carry out a free site assessment and produce a scaled storage layout plan.
Does Longspan Shelving Comply With UK Safety Regulations?
Absolutely. Safety is always the main priority with the racking and shelving solutions we provide.
Longspan shelving should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and inspected regularly in line with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) guidelines provide additional best practice recommendations for inspection and safe loading.
Load notices should also be clearly displayed on each bay, and damaged components should be reported and replaced promptly.
Where Does Logical Storage Solutions Install Longspan Shelving?
Logical Storage Solutions is headquartered in Warwickshire and we provide a UK nationwide service across all of our warehouse storage specialisms.
So whether you’re in search of longspan shelving or pallet racking, please get in touch for a free quote.
